A recently released study ranks universities making the transition to clean energy. Advocates say the colleges are paving the way for others when it comes to becoming 100% renewable.
More than 40 colleges get 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. A study published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education ranked universities by their use of renewable electricity. The association's board is made up of college and university administrators. The top ranking colleges include Southwestern University in Texas, George Washington University in D.C, and Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida.
In a press conference put together by Environment Florida; advocates, students, and Florida State faculty say the City of Tallahassee and Florida State are committed to becoming less reliant on fossil fuels. Doctor Ian MacDonald, professor of Oceanography at Florida State, spoke in front of Tallahassee’s 120-acre solar farm. MacDonald says his faculty took the first steps towards clean energy practices as they designed the new Earth, Science, and Atmospheric Sciences building.
Earlier this year FSU and Tallahassee's public tranportation company StarMetro announced plans to make their entire bus fleet 100% electric, making it one of the few universities in the nation to make that commitment. While FSU may not be at the top of renewable rankings, student advocate Taylor Bonachea said she is glad to see the initiatives Florida State is taking.
FSU plans to roll out their electric bus fleet by 2021.
